Experts Predict SEMA Award Winners

Sept. 25, 2013—Automotive experts are speculating on what the top vehicle models will be at the upcoming SEMA Show taking place Nov. 5–8 in Las Vegas. Although predictions vary across the board, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado was noted by several leaders.

“The SEMA Award is always a strong indicator of which vehicles are likely going [to] be most popular with consumers in the coming year," said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Vehicles chosen for display at the SEMA Show are by definition the hottest-trending and most accessory-friendly models among enthusiasts, and these models often become high-demand vehicles for the car-buying public.”

Last year's winners were the Ford Mustang in the car category, the Scion FR-S in the sport compact category, the Ford F-Series in the truck category and the Jeep Wrangler in the 4x4-SUV category. Industry experts agree that both Chevy and Ford models will again have a strong presence at the SEMA Show with vehicle customizers this year.

Here are some thoughts from various industry experts on the vehicles that will be on display this year:

“I believe the 2014 C7 Corvette will be the most prominent vehicle at the 2013 SEMA Show. For the truck category, I like the 2014 Chevy Silverado; for the 4x4 category, I like the Jeep Wrangler; and for sport compact category, I like the Honda Civic,” said Mike Copeland, vice president of operations at Lingenfelter Performance Engineering.

“I predict that the Ford Mustang and the Ford Focus will win SEMA awards, with the Ford Mustang as the most prominent and noteworthy at this year’s show,” said Tony Gonzalez, general manager at California Pony Cars.

“For me, any Ford vehicle is always a must-see with its cutting edge styling updates. I’ve been hearing a lot of hype about the 2014 Chevy Silverado, so I’m excited to see all the different takes on the new redesign from the builders,” said Theresa Contreras, custom painter and designer for LGE-CTS Motorsports.

“I think it could be a Ford truck and a Ford Fusion that’s most prominent this year. Fusion sales are breaking records and the styling on it is incredible,” said Ernie Bunnell, vice president of sales at 3D Carbon.

“While last year’s winner, the Ford Mustang, is a perennial favorite, I think this year the title may go to the 2014 Chevy Camaro. The Camaro just received a major facelift for 2014 that carries many of the styling cues from the ZL-1 over to the standard SS model with sleeker more aggressive lines. For the truck category, Chevy just unveiled the all-new Silverado, and it’s absolutely loaded with interesting options,” said Dan Kahn, president of Kahn Media Inc.

The winners of the SEMA Award will be announced Nov. 5 at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.